Nav Alert comment on SC: Isle of Palms, shoaling MM 460 - 461

Comment by: Hubert Hopkins on Nov 1, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

There are two temporary Green buoys 117B and 117C just south of marker 117A at mile 460.3. They are very close to each other. I passed to the north of those and had 6' depth above MLLW. This follows the Bob423 track pretty closely.

My passage was exactly at low tide with 1' above MLLW so it was very shallow.

I believe that the "detour" would be less stress for some if the dredge is not blocking the channel. They were not working the day I went through.

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Nav Alert comment on NC: Lockwoods Folly, shoaling MM 321.5

Comment by: Hubert Hopkins on Oct 29, 2024
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

The channel markers have been moved to reflect the Bob423 track as of Oct 29, 2024.

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Marina Review for Chestertown Municipal Marina

Reviewed by: Hubert Hopkins on Jul 6, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

What a great marina, interesting full service town, and excellent management by Paul Coleman. We had a very relaxing and enjoyable trip up the river. The town was delightful with a great used bookstore, ice cream shop and many restaurants. The history and early American architecture are worth the trip. Transportation was a little sketchy but we did find one "taxi service" on Google that took us out to the Italian restaurant Luisa's. It was a real treat with great food and affordable prices. It was 2 miles out of town and we walked back after dinner, through beautiful Washington College which is the 10th oldest college in the USA (approximately). The current can be a little strong, but Paul will help you out to keep you out of trouble if you let him.

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Nav Alert comment on MD: Knapps Narrows West Channel, shoaling

Comment by: Hubert Hopkins on Jul 6, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

I entered from the Bay side on July 6, 2023 and can confirm that for now, Bradford's comment is correct. There is a single red #4 in the correct position for the current channel. Red-right-returning from the Bay. There is not a red buoy #4A as shown on my Navionics chart. I did not plot the exact position of red #4 but just that the channel is now marked correctly. It was an easy entry with at least 7.5 ft depth to the Knapps Narrows Marina.

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Marina Review for Brunswick Landing Marina, Inc.

Reviewed by: Hubert Hopkins on Dec 11, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

This was a great marina in 95% of the areas. The marina itself was extremely clean, safe, and well run. The staff was very friendly and efficient. We were well taken care of for a one night stay. It seems to be a great place for a longer stay as well. It's close to the ICW and a bit of a hidden gem! The small downtown area had some nice shops and several restaurants. The only slight negative was the amount of homeless people on the streets. One harassed my wife out for a Sunday morning walk which was a bit scary for her. Use caution. The marina is well gated so we felt very safe on the boat.

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Marina Review for Snug Harbour Marina

Reviewed by: Hubert Hopkins on Jul 21, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 1

I tried calling this marina several times along with its sister marina Mariner's Landing with no answer or call back. Neither marina answered channel 16 when just off the marinas. When we tried to go into Snug Harbor we ran aground in 3.5 ft of mud right in the middle of the channel entrance. Don't plan on these marinas for your stop in Sylvan Beach. The free wall is OK with no services.

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Marina Review for City Marina at Garrison Bight

Reviewed by: Hubert Hopkins on Jan 1, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

This review applies to the Mooring Field as a transient and assistance in general. I can't comment on slips and other facilities. Be aware that if the mooring field is full, there may be mooring bouys that are "owned" by monthly or annual customers and not available to transients. We arrived on New Years Eve and called into the marina to ask about balls that were open. We were told to take one if it was empty. We tied off to one that had a small orange ball attached. When we went in to register, we were told that belonged to a permanent renter and we had to move to an anchorage. It was a huge inconvenience. Also, the CITY Marina at Garrison bight would not give us a dingy dock gate pass for the night for use after we anchored. Looking later, there is a "second" dingy dock at the Garrison Bight Marina (not to be confused with the city marina). We didn't see that so can't comment. The downtown public dingy dock at the Key West Bight Marina (also run by the city) was available but of course no way to pay for a dingy permit after closing. The signage around that downtown dingy dock is very confusing but we figured it out and tied off. Bottom line is be careful using the mooring field and ask a lot of questions. Anchoring outside the field was fine, just know there is a long dingy ride into the downtown marina. Don't expect the City Marina at Garrison Bight to do you any favors.

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Anchorage Review for Garrison Bight Mooring Field

Reviewed by: Hubert Hopkins on Jan 1, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Be aware that if the mooring field is full, there may be mooring bouys that are "owned" by monthly or annual customers and not available to transients. We arrived on New Years Eve and called into the marina to ask about balls that were open. We were told to take one if it was empty. We tied off to one that had a small orange ball attached. When we went in to register, we were told that belonged to a permanent renter and we had to move to an anchorage. It was a huge inconvenience. Also, the CITY Marina at Garrison bight would not give us a dingy dock gate pass for the night for use after we anchored. Looking later, there is a "second" dingy dock at the Garrison Bight Marina (not to be confused with the city marina). We didn't see that so can't comment. The downtown public dingy dock at the Key West Bight Marina (also run by the city) was available but of course no way to pay for a dingy permit after closing. The signage around that downtown dingy dock is very confusing but we figured it out and tied off. Bottom line is be careful using the mooring field and ask a lot of questions. Anchoring outside the field was fine, just know there is a long dingy ride into the downtown marina. Don't expect the City Marina at Garrison Bight to do you any favors.

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Free Dock Review for Lee Wenner Park Free Dock - Closed for Renovation

Reviewed by: Hubert Hopkins on May 26, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

This is a very nice town dock with room for four or 5 boats on a nice long dock. It can be exposed in some winds. The ONE big problem is that the pier does not have water or power available. It's a brand new dock with 50 Amp power and water but is unavailable except for special events. This is a serious waste of money to have such a nice public facility and then not utilize it. I can understand the issues of collecting money, responding to problems, and maintenance. It's what happens when you build a town dock. Just be aware there is no power or water at the dock. The dingy dock is nice with easy access. The Village is a great place to visit.

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Marina Review for Jekyll Harbor Marina

Reviewed by: Hubert Hopkins on May 26, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 4

May 2021 we had a very nice one night stay in the marina. The facility is great and the surrounding area very beautiful. The one problem we had was the availability of restaurants. The one at the marina was closed for repairs. The one up next to the Club was only serving hotel guests and the same was true at the Westin hotel up at the traffic circle. We ended up having a nice meal at the Sunrise Grille near the Westin, but finding that had been frustrating. This may be a seasonal issue of finding enough help, but be aware.

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Marina Review for Oasis Marinas at Fernandina Harbor

Reviewed by: Hubert Hopkins on May 26, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

The marina facilities and great customer service make this updated marina a must stop on the ICW. Now that they pump fuel, it's really one of the premier marina facilities on that section of the waterway. We really enjoyed our stay! Watch the shallow spots to the south.

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Marina Review for Wrightsville Beach Marina

Reviewed by: Hubert Hopkins on Apr 29, 2019
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We had a great experience with the assistant dockmaster Travis and his team. We arrived with the current running and a lot of wind. Travis found us a large slip that we could easily get into and helped us get in safely. He was very helpful with local knowledge and anything we needed. The facilities were top notch. It was a spring Sunday afternoon with great weather; Wrightsville beach was a lot of fun. A new favorite spot on my list. The other reviews must be only from people who had a bad experience. I can guarantee it was not like that when I visited.

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Marina Review for St. Johns Yacht Harbor

Reviewed by: Hubert Hopkins on Apr 22, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Best facilities and friendliest staff on the ICW. New docks in late 2017 replaced hurricane damage. Great restrooms and laundry. Courtesy car is good since it's a little remote. The car bridge has been replaced. The current runs strong here at mid-tide so time your arrival to slack water, if possible, and have all your lines ready. That said, the dock hands will help make your landing as safe and easy as possible. Highly recommend it for a day or a couple of months.

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